The mobilization of long-term capital for power sector infrastructure has become a critical constraint in achieving energy transition and decarbonization goals, particularly in developing economies experiencing rapid growth in electricity demand. Despite a growing body of literature on infrastructure financing, existing research remains fragmented across disciplines and institutions, limiting a coherent understanding of investment dynamics. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 152 Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024. The analysis systematically maps the intellectual structure of the field, identifies dominant research clusters, and traces key trajectories in the discourse on infrastructure finance. The findings reveal three core patterns: ① A sustained increase in research activity reflecting growing focus on financing energy transition; ② Concentration of research around PPP governance, risk allocation mechanisms, and renewable energy financing models; ③ Persistent gaps in longitudinal project performance, institutional design, and sustainable capital mobilization frameworks. Interpreting these findings through the lens of New Institutional Economics, the study underscores the critical role of governance quality, regulatory credibility, and coordinated financial ecosystems in shaping investment outcomes. By integrating bibliometric insights with institutional analysis, the study advances the literature by identifying structural patterns, conceptual limitations, and emerging research frontiers. It provides policy-relevant guidance for designing robust financing frameworks capable of mobilizing capital for energy transition. • Conducts a bibliometric review of infrastructure finance in the power sector. • Analyzes 152 studies (2010–2024) to map research trends and thematic evolution. • Identifies key authors, countries, and journals shaping the field's development. • Reveals six major research clusters including PPP risk and renewable finance. • Suggests future research on sustainable finance, policy, and energy transition.
Mishra et al. (Sun,) studied this question.